Premier Picks: Predicting every Premier League result in GW3

It is safe to say gameweek two was full of surprises, with Premier League football still never failing to bring the joy and action that we love and expect from one of the best leagues in the world.

One of the biggest upsets and surprises of the weekend was Crystal Palace’s 3-1 win over Manchester United – with the Red Devils failing to create anything elusive going forward, having had 75.8% of possession with just 4 shots on target compared to Palace’s 5 shots on target.

With that being said – this weekend could see some fantastic results with some killer games scheduled for our viewing, such as Manchester City vs Leicester and Liverpool vs Arsenal.

So with further ado, here are my score predictions with Premier Picks for gameweek three – don’t forget you can sign up and play Premier Picks for free, and also set up a mini-league to challenge your mates in. Click here to get involved.

Brighton 1-1 Manchester United

The Seagulls have had a fairly strong start to the season, despite losing their opening game to Chelsea, Graham Potter’s side produced a great performance against Newcastle in gameweek 2 with a comfortable 3-0 victory to earn their first three points of the campaign.

Manchester United, however, had a poor start in their aforementioned opening game against Crystal Palace, and I can’t see things picking up come the weekend. The attacking quartet of Leandro Trossard, Aaron Connolly, and Neal Maupay impressed in their last game for Brighton by all contributing to the goal tally, whereas Manchester United failed to really create anything for themselves against Palace with just 4 shots on target despite their lions share of possession.

I can see this one playing out in a draw, with the final score at 1-1, despite the 71% going in United’s favour.

Crystal Palace 1-3 Everton

It is fair to say the majority agree with this one – with 65% of Premier Picks users going for an Everton victory. The Toffee’s last game against West Brom produced a staggering 7 goal thriller, which saw Carlo Ancelotti’s side come out with a 5-2 win.

Crystal Palace themselves had a great result too, beating Manchester United 3-1 with an impressive brace from Wilfried Zaha – but I see Everton coming out on top in this fixture. Ancelotti’s side has two wins from two so far this season, having scored 7 goals along the way – as well as the fact that Palace failed to win against them last season, hence why I feel that the Merseyside club will come out with three wins from three after this fixture.

West Brom 1-4 Chelsea

It has been a tough start for West Brom since their return to the Premier League this season, having lost their opening two games and conceding 8 goals in the process.

Slaven Bilic’s side will have a tough test on their hands this weekend when they face Chelsea, who lost their last game against Liverpool but won their opening game against Brighton 3-1. Frank Lampard’s new signings are yet to properly click, but their game against the Baggies could prove a pivotal turning point for their new-look squad – with new signings such as Hakim Ziyech, Ben Chilwell, and Thiago Silva all looking closer to being fit to play.

Along with the other 100% of users, I see this being a victory for the Blues, with a 4-1 win.

Burnley 0-0 Southampton

Both clubs have had a tough start to this season – the Clarets lost their opening game against Leicester on Sunday, losing 4-2 thanks to a spirited performance from Brendan Rodgers’ side. Southampton are also yet to win a game with two losses against Crystal Palace and Tottenham.

I can’t see this game being a win for either side due to their current form, and despite Danny Ings scoring a brace in his last game, as well as Burnley putting two past Tottenham – I predict this game to finish in a stalemate, with a 0-0 draw and a point for either side.

Sheffield United 1-2 Leeds United

The Blades are yet to find their feet this season, having lost their first two games against Wolves and Aston Villa, and have failed to score in both games too. Leeds secured their first Premier League win for 16 years at the weekend with a 4-3 victory over fellow Premier League new boys Fulham – and I can see this form continuing for Marcelo Bielsa and his side.

Chris Wilder’s side has failed to carry on their impressive form from last season, and I just don’t see them securing a win over Leeds after their first two losses this season. 57% of Premier Picks users also see Leeds getting the three points from this game, with only 11% going for a Sheffield United win.

Tottenham 3-1 Newcastle

Tottenham fans will be hoping to see the form of Harry Kane and Heung-min Son continue into this weekend after the pair were involved in all 5 of Spurs’ goals against Southampton. Jose Mourinho will no doubt not change too much about his XI from the game against the Saints after their display – with Newcastle having lost their last game 3-0 against Brighton.

The Magpies did have a great start to their season with a 2-0 win over West Ham, but I just don’t see them getting past a Tottenham side that is coming off the back of a fine performance in a 7 goal thriller. Myself and the other 86% of Premier Picks users have gone for a Tottenham win, predicting a 3-1 win for Mourinho’s side.

Manchester City 3-2 Leicester City

The Citizens started their season strong, with a 3-1 victory over Wolves on Monday night – thanks to goals from Kevin De Bruyne, Phil Foden, and Gabriel Jesus, and I see their form continuing through to this weekend. The Foxes themselves have had a good start to their own season, winning their opening two games and scoring 7 goals along the way.

This game will be hotly contested with both sides securing big victories during gameweek 2. Despite Leicester’s strong start, 79% of Premier Picks users also agree with a Manchester City win, with my own prediction ending in 3-2 to Pep Guardiola’s side.

West Ham 0-2 Wolves

It has been a tough start for the Hammers faithful, with David Moyes’ side losing their opening two games to Newcastle and Arsenal, despite a better display against the Gunners. Wolves did kick off their season with a 2-0 victory over Sheffield United, but lost on Monday night to Manchester City, with the Citizens putting in a strong performance to beat Nuno’s side 3-1.

West Ham’s poor start could continue, with me and 61% of Premier Picks users going for a Wolves win – predicting them to win 2-0 over the Hammers.

Fulham 0-2 Aston Villa

Aston Villa kicked off their season with a fantastic 1-0 win on Monday over Sheffield United, thanks to a winning goal from Ezri Konsa. Fulham on the other hand has struggled in their first two games of the season, losing both and conceding 7 goals all told. Villa has made some great additions to their squad this summer such as goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez and striker Ollie Watkins – and I don’t see them losing against the Cottagers come gameweek 3 – predicting Dean Smith’s side to win 2-0.

Despite my personal prediction, Premier Picks users seem to be split down the middle, with 30% going for a Fulham victory, 33% for a draw, and the other 37% opting for a Villa victory.

Liverpool 3-0 Arsenal

The defending champions have had a great start to their season, with two wins from two and beating Chelsea last weekend in a comfortable 2-0 victory – and their form will likely continue against Arsenal this weekend. The Gunners themselves have had a strong start to this campaign, beating Fulham 3-0 in their opening game, then securing a 2-1 victory over a stubborn West Ham side.

Arsenal have only beaten Liverpool once in their last five meetings with the Reds, however, and myself along with 89% of Premier Picks users see this fixture going in Jürgen Klopp’s favour, opting for a 3-0 victory at Anfield.

Spurs fans react to update on Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg move

With Jose Mourinho heading into his first summer in charge at Tottenham, the Portuguese man is likely to have to work with a restricted budget.

Clubs all across Europe are sure to face the financial impact of the current situation, and Spurs will be no different. Already, the club have been linked with a free transfer move for Chelsea winger Willian, and now Bleacher Report’s Dean Jones has delivered an update on the north London side’s potential summer plans.

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He has revealed that whilst he doesn’t expect the Lilywhites to spend much money, “they will try to sign Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg from Southampton” – the Denmark international having been a first-team regular for the Saints this season, featuring 33 times across all competitions.

And after hearing that the club still sees the central midfielder as a potential signing this summer, Spurs fans took to Twitter to voice their reactions to the news.

One supporter insisted that bringing in both Hojbjerg and Wolves striker Raul Jimenez – who has also been recently linked with a move to the club – would be “massive”.

Another supporter suggested that Spurs would be getting a “better version of Thomas Partey” – the Atletico Madrid midfielder who has been touted with a switch to north London rivals Arsenal this summer.

A couple of Spurs fans talked up a more tactical approach of how Hojbjerg could fit in at the club, and insisted his more defensive-minded qualities is exactly what the need – the Dane has averaged 2.4 tackles and 1.5 interceptions per game in the top-flight this season as per Whoscored.

With his kind of physical and combative profile, Hojbjerg is arguably the perfect player for a Mourinho side.

Valued at £10.8m by Transfermarkt, it remains to be seen what the asking price might be for the Dane, particularly considering the current circumstances.

He may not be a free transfer like Willian, but the 24-year-old could still prove to be very good value for money.

Manchester United: Fans blast Phil Jones after Laurie Whitwell reveals interest from Serie A

Phil Jones has struggled ever since Sir Alex Ferguson left Manchester United. 

Jones has been a regular sight on the sidelines during his time at Old Trafford as he has succumbed to multiple injuries.

According to The Athletic, Man United are hopeful he can turn his career around and become the next Nemanja Matic. However, Laurie Whitwell reported that Jones has attracted attention from Serie A, although there are only a few clubs who can afford his wages.

The Mirror reported earlier this year that the Red Devils are ready to let him go for £12m in the summer. His old boss David Moyes is also interested in signing him when the transfer market opens, depending on whether or not West Ham stay in the Premier League.

Jones is apparently open to a move as he wants to be playing regularly, which is something Ole Gunnar Solskjaer cannot guarantee. He has dropped below the likes of Harry Maguire, Victor Lindelof and Eric Bailly in the pecking order and could be on his way out sooner rather than later. Either way, fans will have to wait and see what happens before the start of next season.

Unsurprisingly, loads of United fans blasted the transfer update on social media, with one supporter calling it an “absolute joke” while another urged the board to “get rid ASAP.” One fan branded Jones as “deadwood” in reference to the fact he has only played two games in the Premier League this season.

Scroll down through some of the scathing reactions so far…

United fans, do you think Ed Woodward should sell Phil Jones? Let us know down below!

Newcastle fans on club legends being brought back

With clubs like Manchester United, Chelsea and Arsenal all turning to former players to take the manager’s helm, one of the big positives of taking such an approach is the unity it can inspire in fans.

And it appears Newcastle’s prospective new owners want to tap into something similar. According to The Chronicle, the consortium buying the club are looking at bringing back some club legends in some capacity as part of their plan to inspire a revolution at St James’ Park.

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The Magpies have got a rich history of players and icons to tap into, most notably the likes of Alan Shearer. And after hearing about the club’s reported plans, Newcastle fans took to Twitter to voice their thoughts on the situation.

One Newcastle fan in particular spoke glowingly of how the club’s potential owners are already taking them in the “right direction”.

Understandably, most Newcastle supporters seem excited at the prospect of seeing some of the club’s favourites head back to St James’ Park in some fashion.

Getting them involved in and around the scene only serves to bring the entire club closer, and it does sound like the new owners are already beginning to get a feel for the Magpies.

Rangers fans react to SFA abandoning charges over 2011/2012 campaign

Two years after first being charged by the Scottish FA for alleged breaches of rules over the granting of a UEFA licence, Rangers can finally move on.The Gers were accused of not “behaving towards the Scottish FA and other members with the utmost good faith” in regards to financial information the club had given prior their financial collapse back in 2012.

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But the Ibrox side successfully argued for the case to be dealt with by the Court of Arbitration for Sport, and now, the Scottish FA has confirmed that they have decided not to refer a notice of complaint to the CAS.

The governing body said: “Following consideration of the implications of such a referral, including legal opinion, it was the board’s unanimous position that this matter should not be referred to CAS.”

And after hearing about the news, Rangers fans flooded to Twitter to voice their thoughts on the situation.

Mason Holgate facing a stern Everton test against Teemu Pukki

This article is part of Football FanCast’s The Chalkboard series, which provides a tactical insight into teams, players, managers, potential signings and more…

Everton’s Mason Holgate could be set for a stern test this weekend as he faces off with Teemu Pukki when Norwich City come to town.

On the chalkboard

Holgate has been in spectacular form since he came into the side for the injured Yerry Mina. The Englishman has managed to rack up two assists, a goal and a clean sheet, while he also helped Everton progress into the quarter-final of the EFL Cup.

However, with Pukki scoring for Finland against Greece and twice against Liechtenstein while also bagging an assist for the third goal in that game, the Canaries star could be set to get back into his deadly form. Earlier on in the Premier League campaign, Pukki led the way as an early Golden Boot contender, bagging six goals.

No Pukki, no party

Everton’s defence has been suspect all season, as the club have now conceded 18 goals in 12 games. Now, should the Norwich striker bring his a-game to Merseyside, the likes of Mina and Holgate at the back could be in big trouble.

Individual clashes against strikers of Pukki’s potency will enable Holgate to craft his game and reach the next level with Everton.

The game is a must-win for the Toffees and a win could boost them up the table. Plus, as Pukki seems to back into the swing of things, the Finland international will surely be ready to pounce on what has been a shaky defence under Marco Silva this season.

This game could be crucial for Holgate as he aims to cement his place in the starting XI, while it’s clearly a must-win for the club given the run of fixtures that beckons in December.

The centre-back will be one of Everton’s most important players on the pitch and he can help keep them from edging further to the relegation zone.

Should Everton swoop to sign Andrea Belotti?

Everton are reportedly interested in making a summer move for Torino star Andrea Belotti.

According to a recent report from Calciomercato (via Sport Witness) the Toffees are ready to make a €60m (£53m) offer for the 26-year-old.

A number of clubs including Inter Milan, Napoli and Roma are all courting him “brazenly”, but Everton remain at the front of the queue for his signature.

The prolific Serie A striker is one of the top strikers in European football and the quality of Italian sides taking an interest certainly attests to that, but should Carlo Ancelotti go all out to bring him to Goodison Park?

With the report in mind, Football FanCast writers have delivered their verdicts on Everton’s interest and whether he should be on the club’s radar…

Lewis Blain “Everton landing Andrea Belotti would be a surefire way to transform Ancelotti’s European dreams into a reality. The 26-year-old has netted 15 goals from 31 appearances this campaign, making him just two away from matching last season’s tally of 17. This shows that he’s a prolific and consistent threat in front of goal.“All but three of his strikes in the last six seasons in Italy have been from inside the penalty area with a vast majority coming from within the six-yard box, via Understat – meaning he’s a golden poacher and should be welcome at any club wanting to project onto a new level.“Given Ancelotti’s persistence with 4-4-2, Belotti could well prove to be the absolute perfect foil for Calvert-Lewin, who has been in fine mettle this term himself, also scoring 15 goals for the Toffees.“Pairing the Englishman with the 27-cap Italian will surely have fans salivating at the mouth at Goodison Park next season. Brands should do everything in his power to fund this deal.”The Greatest Bargains in Premier League history – How much did they cost?World Class score: 95% | Expert score: 80% | Veteran score: 65% | Intermediate score: 45% | Amateur score: 30% | Try Again: 5% James Beavis “Everton signing Andrea Belotti would be the best start to the Ancelotti revolution.“While the Toffees do have the likes of Richarlison, Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Moise Kean to pick from up top, you can’t help but feel that another goalscorer in their ranks could make all the difference, as well as letting the Brazilian revert to more of a wide role where he has been effective previously.“Belotti would certainly bring the goals – he has 85 in 179 for one of the less-fancied clubs in Italy in Torino as well as nine in 27 caps for his country – while at 26 years of age he is approaching the prime years of his career.“The prospect of him lining up alongside the much-improved Calvert-Lewin on a weekly basis would be a mouthwatering prospect, and perhaps he could teach Kean a thing or two as well as he looks to kick-start his own career with the Toffees. “Marcel Brands would be hailed as a God if he can get this deal over the line for Ancelotti and Everton Football Club.” Jack Saville

“A move for Belotti would be the worst thing for Calvert-Lewin at this stage in his career. The budding England international has been a revelation under Ancelotti and is finally beginning to vindicate the trust that has been shown in him during some lengthy and tepid spells of form.

“While Everton’s interest in the Italian attacker makes perfect sense given his record in Turin, it would be a real kick in the teeth for Calvert-Lewin if the club were to sanction a mega-money move for a new centre-forward.

“It has taken years of patience to get Calvert-Lewin to the level he is currently reaching, so Ancelotti should focus on building his attack around the 23-year-old rather than signing a new player capable of usurping him.”

Wolves fans drool over Max Kilman after domineering display vs Slovan Bratislava

Wolverhampton Wanderers have surely put one foot in the next round of the Europa League after snatching a win at the death against Slovan Bratislava.

Nuno Santo needed late heroics from striker Raul Jimenez yet again as the Mexican headed home Adama Traore’s cross in the second minute of injury time.

The game looked to be heading towards a draw after Ruben Neves saw his penalty saved just six minutes into the second half.

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His fellow countryman opted for Leander Dendoncker in defence again with Ryan Bennett absent while Max Kilman filled in for Willy Boly after he suffered a severe injury in training last week.

And the young 22-year-old has come in for a lot of praise from sections of the Molineux faithful on social media following his domineering display as Wolves secured a clean sheet.

One supporter compared him to legendary centre-back Franz Beckenbauer while another believed he could be a regular starter for years to come.

‘Immense’ and ‘brilliant’ were just two of the other phrases used to describe his performance with one more fan hyping him up to be the future.

Here’s the best of the reaction:

Phil Parkes and James Collins show their support for Manuel Pellegrini

This article is part of Football FanCast’s Pundit View series, which provides opinion and analysis on recent quotes from journalists, pundits, players and managers…

Former West Ham United players Phil Parkes and James Collins have shown their backing for Manuel Pellegrini while speaking with Claret & Hugh and talkSPORT respectively.

What did they say?

There has been debate about whether Pellegrini should be sacked as West Ham manager, with the team on a run of seven games without a win in all competitions.

The West Ham board have backed the manager, as reported by BBC Sport, and the pair of former Hammers have shown they believe this is the correct decision.

Speaking with Claret & Hugh, Parkes said: “I agreed with the appointment and one run of bad games does not justify some of the maulings I’ve seen him getting on social media and elsewhere. He’s a top manager and there’s no doubts in my mind that he will sort it out so long as the players get their acts together.

“Too often the manager takes the stick when things go wrong – the screams of ‘sack him’ start, panic sets in and the truth is it’s not down to him but the players.”

While Collins accepted Pellegrini’s status could come under pressure at some point, he echoed Parke’s sentiment that it’s the wrong time to dismiss the Chilean while speaking on talkSPORT (8:48, Wednesday 13th November): “I think they’ve got to give him time, obviously his pedigree speaks for itself, look what he did at Man City, you don’t just turn bad in seven games, he’s got the squad there and their next two games are huge.”

A matter of timing

The pair are right that Pellegrini should be given time, especially when the current circumstances at the club are considered.

Having Lukasz Fabianski out injured has been such a huge blow, and it’s no surprise it’s coincided with the winless run. Pellegrini at least deserves the opportunity to fix things when the Poland international is back between the sticks.

The six-game run without a loss in all competitions, that came before the current hapless succession of games, highlights that Pellegrini can get the team playing when he has his key players on the pitch.

In addition to that point, if Pellegrini was to be sacked, these conditions would not help out any incoming manager at all, due to the fact he would be using Roberto, David Martin or potentially Joseph Anang in goal.

Regardless of whether Pellegrini will be able to instantly turn things around after the international break, the Hammers are better off sticking with him for the time being.

Ex-Man Utd man Zoran Tosic opens up on failed Old Trafford career

This article is part of Football FanCast’s Pundit View series, which provides opinion and analysis on recent quotes from journalists, pundits, players and managers…

Speaking to The Athletic, former Manchester United man Zoran Tosic has opened up on why his career at Old Trafford didn’t pan out.

What did he say?

The Serbia international joined the Red Devils back in November 2008 from Partizan Belgrade, but failed to make a significant impression at the club, playing just five times and not scoring at all.

Now, the 32-year-old has admitted the intensity and quality of the training at United was a culture shock, and revealed he knew he wasn’t at the rest of the squad’s level.

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He said: “I was put straight into the first-team squad and the levels were so high that it felt like another sport. It was very heavy for me in those first weeks in Manchester. The ball moved so quickly in training, the quality was top, top, level. Nobody lost the ball. Except me. I was trying my best but it wasn’t enough. This wasn’t the football I knew.

“I thought I could play for United but there was a reason I was not at their level. These players lived the football life at the top. (Ryan) Giggs was 36, (Paul) Scholes 34. They trained at 200 per cent. They lived football 24 hours. It was a big surprise to me to see them do this, a big lesson. They were on bikes before training and in the gym after.”

Eye-opener

Tosic’s admission that the levels at training went up by a few notches from what he was used to is rather unsurprising. Sir Alex Ferguson’s side were dominating the Premier League and Champions League at the time, and had star-studded players all over the pitch.

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More than anything however, the Serbian’s revelations are an eye-opener into the standards set by those who have reached the very top of the game, but continue to strive to remain there. The likes of Giggs and Scholes were in the twilight stages of their career, but their professionalism and dedication to the craft ensured they could compete at the very highest level. It is an incredible lesson that the current crop of United players would do well to emulate.

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